http://news.hackney.gov.uk/
enSun, 15 Sep 2019 12:05:57 +0200Tue, 10 Sep 2019 11:56:54 +0200http://content.presspage.com/clients/150_722.jpghttp://news.hackney.gov.uk/
144Thousands enjoy the atmosphere at Hackney Carnival 2019 http://news.hackney.gov.uk/crowds-enjoy-the-atmosphere-at-hackney-carnival-2019/
http://news.hackney.gov.uk/crowds-enjoy-the-atmosphere-at-hackney-carnival-2019/Crowds gathered to celebrate the biggest Carnival the borough has seen, as final figures are still to be confirmed but attendance is estimated to be well above last year’s 60,000 at Hackney Carnival on 8 September.

The borough was awash with colour as the streets were filled with dancers, entertainers, elaborate mas costumes, food stalls, children’s areas and multiple sound stations.

The crowd danced and sang along as the 25 Carnival groups representing countries from around the world, grooved their way through a new route starting on Mare Street, turning left onto Graham Road and down Queensbridge road before turning back towards London Fields to end on Lansdowne Drive.

Peacocks, a lion, a cow and even a huge pig were a part of the amazing costumes on display. Para-Carnival performers were dressed in green, waving banners reading “save the Amazon” in representation of the ‘sustainability’ theme.

New for this year, the Carnival Village was a great success and included seven sound stages based around the Hackney Central area, including the Faggamuffin Bloc Party in Bohemia Place – the sound system run and curated by queer people of colour.

The Carnival also presented its biggest line-up on the live stage ever with lively entertainment from Jah Bunny, DJ Green Papi, local gospel choirs and a special performance from King of African electronic music and Rap, Ata Kak.

Pax Nindi, Founder of Global Carnival Centre and Hackney Carnival Artistic Director: “It’s so exciting to see so many residents coming out to experience Hackney Carnival. The atmosphere is electric, the costumes just keep on getting better, and the colours are fantastic. It’s an absolute joy!”

As the Carnival groups danced past judges in Hackney Town Hall Square, there were some crowd favourites who received extra applause and big cheers. Including local groups Jamboulay, GAHU Dramatics, Dimensions and Tropical Isles.

Cllr Kam Adams, Speaker of Hackney said: “A huge congratulations to everyone involved in the biggest Hackney Carnival of all time! What an amazing atmosphere, a fitting celebration of the borough’s diverse community!”

This year’s Carnival was also the greenest yet, with multiple waste disposal points, traders operating with minimal plastic waste and people encouraged to bring reusable bottles to top up at free water stations.

Dancer, Ken Hinds 60, said: “Hackney Carnival is a beautiful mix of different cultures, backgrounds and demographics expressing themselves all in their own unique way. It’s a great celebration and I love being apart of it year after year.”

Anna Nijie, who attended with the partner and three children said: It’s a very good family feel, our children love Disco Loco, it’s great to see them having fun and enjoying the music in a safe environment.”

Hackney Carnival is funded by Hackney Council and Arts Council England. It is organised by the borough’s culture team together with local Carnival groups and artistic direction is provided by Global Carnivalz.

Partners include Transport for London, Second Screen, Dukeminster, St John at Hackney, Tesco and Shoreditch Town Hall.

]]>Carnival,Hackney Carnival,Hackney Carnival 2019,Hackney,Dance,Party,CultureTue, 10 Sep 2019 10:56:54 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/722/500_hackneycarnival2019-457322.jpg?10000Hackney Carnival brings streets to lifehttp://news.hackney.gov.uk/hackney-carnival-brings-streets-to-life/
http://news.hackney.gov.uk/hackney-carnival-brings-streets-to-life/From the Regent’s Canal to Ridley Road, there was a festival atmosphere as Hackney Carnival brought the streets to life with performers displaying fabulous costumes, booming beats and on point dance routines for 30,000 spectators along the route.

Dressed to thrill Hackney’s annual carnival was its most glamorous yet! When the procession entered Mare Street, the celebrations paused as carnival-goers observed a minute’s silence for those who died in the Grenfell Tower fire and those affected by recent hurricanes in the Caribbean.

As the 23 carnival groups danced past judges in Hackney Town Hall Square, there were big cheers for local groups such as Beeraahaar Sweet Combination and Gahu Dramatic Arts, and excitement as the first ever Carnival Elders bus, organised by St Joseph’s Hospice, made an appearance.

After the procession ended, the carnival atmosphere continued with a finale in Ridley Road with live music and DJ sets plus a host of food stalls till 8pm. The day also saw performances from top musicians, including headline act Black Slate drawing large crowds to a live stage in Gillett Square.

Sebastian Ross, from the Paracarnival group, said: “Carnival is our chance to go out and express ourselves and really be part of the community.”

Spectator Verity Woolnough, added:“It’s a really nice atmosphere and you can see how diverse carnival is. It’s such a friendly vibe.”

The massive annual event is funded by the Council and organised by its culture team together with local carnival groups.

This year the carnival was bigger than ever with over 28,000 visitors and residents lining the streets to cheer on the colourful procession of performers. A total of 28 different carnival groups danced and entertained their way from Ridley Road, south along Dalston Lane, Richmond Road and along Mare Street towards Hackney Town Hall.

The groups performed for judges and a large crowd of on-lookers in front of Hackney Town Hall. There were big cheers for local carnival groups such as Tropical Isles Mas Band and Beeraahaa Sweet Combination and excitement as the group Festive Roads brought a life-sized elephant puppet down Mare Street.

Helen, one of the performers in the Hackney based Pantonic Steelband said: "The sun came out and crowds loved it and it was spectacular, the best Carnival!"

After the main procession, the carnival atmosphere continued with a finale party in Ridley Road with live music and DJ sets playing global beats and a host of food stalls which continued until 8pm.

Creative Direcor at the Hackney One Carnival, Pax Nindi said: "The event has become a major success putting Hackney on the national Carnival map and is the best outdoor event to be at in London. This would not be possible if it wasn't for the Hackney residents, artists, volunteers, local participating and visiting groups who dedicate their time and money to make this such a vibrant and successful event."

Lorna from Clapton, who lined the Carnival route, said: “The Carnival has been really great, its brought so many different communities together. All the floats and costumes look fantastic, they have all put in so much effort today. This is the first Carnival that I’ve been to in a few years and I think it’s just fantastic.”

Children were kept entertained, having fun with the Hackney Play Bus as families enjoyed live street theatre. Some of Hackney’s best young musicians performed to the crowd at Gillett Square which was also transformed into a children’s play area.

Check out Hackney Council’s Facebook page for the #HackneyOneCarnival photos.

]]>hackney one carnival,hackney carnivalMon, 12 Sep 2016 17:31:06 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/722/500_29006240104-c42f242488-o.jpg?10000The countdown is on - Hackney One Carnival 2016 http://news.hackney.gov.uk/the-countdown-is-on-hackney-one-carnival-2016/
http://news.hackney.gov.uk/the-countdown-is-on-hackney-one-carnival-2016/Get set for the Hackney One Carnival on 11 September with spectacular costumes, energetic dance, sound systems and live music from around the world.

The Council-run event will fill the borough with colour as hundreds of performers from carnival and community groups join residents in celebration of Hackney’s diverse cultures and thriving creativity.

The Carnival procession will start at Ridley Road at 2pm, it will then move its way south along Dalston Lane, Richmond Road and along Mare Street towards the Hackney Town Hall before heading up Amhurst Road and finishing back at Ridley Road at 5pm.

The Carnival will feature the borough’s best musicians playing live at Gillett Square, from 12 till 3pm the Hackney Music Service will programme some of the borough’s best young musicians, then between 3 and 6pm there will be a mix of talented young performers and local DJs. There will also be street theatre at the Hackney Town Hall from 1.45 till 3.15pm. A children’s play bus will also be at the Hackney Town Hall from 12 till 4pm.

Local children and families can also enjoy a free all-day play area in Gillett Square from 12 noon.

The finale party at Ridley Road will take place from 5 till 8pm, featuring a mix of Reggae, Soca and Brazilian beats as well as a host of food stalls with tastes from around the world.

Residents and businesses on Ridley Road are also being encouraged to dress the front of their homes and shops in the most vibrant carnival decorations they can find, or create, to be in with a chance of winning a prize.

For further information about carnival and the route that starts at Ridley Road at 2pm, please visit the Hackney One Carnival website.

You can view the Hackney One Carnival route taking a look at the flyer.

Tweet and share your Carnival photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #HackneyOneCarnival

]]>Hackney,Hackney Council,Hackney One Carnival,Hackney Carnival,Hackney OneWed, 24 Aug 2016 14:29:35 +0100https://content.presspage.com/uploads/722/500_carnival4.jpg?10000Hackney One Carnival 2016http://news.hackney.gov.uk/hackney-one-carnival-2016/
http://news.hackney.gov.uk/hackney-one-carnival-2016/The Hackney One Carnival returns on 11 September 2016 with spectacular costumes, energetic dance, sound systems and live music from around the world.

The Council-run event will fill the borough with colour with hundreds of performers from carnival and community groups joining residents in celebration of Hackney’s thriving cultures and creativity.

With a procession that will weave its way throughout the borough, the carnival will feature Hackney’s best young musicians, an all-day play area in Gillett Square and a carnival party at Ridley Road with global food, arts and crafts.

Residents and businesses on Ridley Road will also be invited to dress the front of their homes and shops in the most vibrant carnival decorations they can find, or create, to be in with a chance of scooping a prize.

Volunteers are also wanted to help steward the procession, assist with the registration of carnival groups and other jobs on the day. There are also some great opportunities to get involved with helping to make costumes and other tasks. To register your interest in becoming a volunteer please contact Brian Cleary by email: info@sygmasafety.co.uk

Any individual or group, wanting to be part of the Hackney One Carnival 2016 as a performer should contact Pax Nindi, Creative Director by email: pax.nindi@hackney.gov.uk. The deadline for expressions of interest is 13 June.Please visit the website for further information: hackney.gov.uk/carnival

Keep a look out for further information about carnival and the route which will start at Ridley Road and ends at Cecilia Road.

Free training for volunteer stewards will be provided and no previous experience is necessary.